The Chicken Riggies Recipe brings a bold, spicy flavor inspired by the Italian-American heartland of Utica, NY. A favorite in upstate New York, this recipe for chicken riggies blends the richness of a tomato-cream sauce with just the right amount of spice from cherry peppers. It’s the perfect dish to bring a comforting, warming meal to the table with a taste that’s unique, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful. If you’re looking for a pasta recipe that’s both classic and distinctive, this Utica chicken riggies recipe delivers it all!
Chicken Riggies Recipe
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium4
servings20
minutes30
minutes550
kcalThis Chicken Riggies Recipe brings together tender chicken, spicy peppers, and a creamy tomato-based sauce over rigatoni. An Italian-American classic with a distinct twist, it’s comfort food with character!
Ingredients
Rigatoni pasta: 12 oz
Chicken breast (cubed): 1 lb
Olive oil: 2 tbsp
Red bell pepper (sliced): 1
Green bell pepper (sliced): 1
Hot cherry peppers (sliced): 1-2, to taste
Onion (chopped): 1 medium
Garlic (minced): 3 cloves
Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (14 oz)
Heavy cream: ½ cup
Chicken broth: ½ cup
Italian seasoning: 1 tsp
Salt & pepper: to taste
Fresh basil (for garnish): optional
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil rigatoni until al dente, as per package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add another tbsp of olive oil, then sauté onion, garlic, and bell peppers until softened. Add cherry peppers for heat and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
- Finish with Cream: Stir in heavy cream and let the sauce thicken slightly. Add rigatoni and mix to coat. Season to taste, and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of cherry peppers to suit your spice preference.
- Choose Your Rigatoni: Authentic chicken riggies are best with classic rigatoni, as it holds the sauce well.
Tips for the best Chicken Riggies Recipe
- Balance the Spice: If cherry peppers are unavailable, substitute with crushed red pepper flakes, but adjust gradually.
- Cream Consistency: For a lighter dish, swap half of the cream with milk, but the full cream gives the best richness.
- Add Cheese: For an extra creamy twist, sprinkle in some grated Parmesan when mixing the pasta with the sauce.
Recipe Variants
- Buffalo Chicken Riggies: Add buffalo sauce in place of cherry peppers for a twist on spice.
- BBQ Chicken Riggies: Substitute the cherry peppers and tomatoes with 1/2 cup BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
FAQ
Chicken riggies are unique because of the spicy cherry peppers and creamy tomato sauce—a twist that’s both comforting and bold.
Yes, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cornstarch for a lighter option, though heavy cream is ideal for a richer texture.
The spice level is mild to medium, depending on how many cherry peppers you add. Adjust to suit your taste!
If you enjoy bold pasta dishes, try our Spicy Rigatoni! This rich, creamy recipe adds a satisfying kick to any meal and is another great way to explore comforting Italian-American flavors.
With every bite of this chicken riggies recipe, you get a taste of the creamy tomato sauce, tender pasta, and a subtle kick of spice that makes this dish so loved. Perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners, chicken riggies bring something special to the table—flavors that balance comfort and adventure. Whether you’re a fan of Italian-American cuisine or trying something new, this recipe will make its way to your list of favorites. Enjoy the taste of upstate New York in every bite!
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